Abstract
Since salinity is a common stress factor in agricultural areas, the objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of morphological and physiological traits as selection criteria of maize genotypes under salt stress. The experiments were carried out in the stages of germination and early seedling growth. Root and shoot weight, leaf area, root and leaf water potential, photochemical efficiency and growth rate were measur ed during salt stress and stress recovery. Our results indicated the presence of genetic variability for germination, but no association between germination and early seedling growth under salt stress. Traits associated with seedling vigor, such as seedling weight and growth rate, and photochemical efficiency under stress conditions can be used as selection criteria for salt-tolerant maize in breeding programs.
Highlights
The rapid increase in the world population demands an expansion of crop areas to raise food production
It is well-known that salinity is a common stress factor in agricultural areas as a result of extensive irrigation with saline water and fertilizer application (McKersie and Leshem 1994)
According to McKersie and Leshem (1994), plant roots may fail to absorb water but under extreme salt stress conditions they can lose their water to the soil
Summary
The rapid increase in the world population demands an expansion of crop areas to raise food production. In this context, a significant fraction of agricultural crops are cultivated on low quality soils, sometimes affected by salinity (Allen et al 1983). Soil salinity refers to the state in which dissolved constituents concentrate beyond the needs of plant roots. It is well-known that salinity is a common stress factor in agricultural areas as a result of extensive irrigation with saline water and fertilizer application (McKersie and Leshem 1994). According to McKersie and Leshem (1994), plant roots may fail to absorb water but under extreme salt stress conditions they can lose their water to the soil
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